Make someone's day special

Today I'm grateful for...

Lourdes growing bigger and stronger everyday

Great team members of Dentistry for Kids

Having a birthday party for Lourdes (3 months)

Loving boys

I ask Lulu what she thought would be good to put into the journal today? She said that I should give thanks to all for the prayers and well wishing, and for me to tell everyone how thankful we are. We both truly believe that the prayers being said for both Lourdes and Lulu have helped us to get through this difficult time, and we believe that with continued support everything will turn out great? Lulu and I had a meeting with Dr. Zeff on Sunday to talk about Lulu's future in the practice. With her being diagnosed with breast cancer, we were unsure about what her long term prognosis was going to be? We won't have the all the details of the extent of the cancer until she has her surgery in November; however, we do know that she could at least do some examinations by February. Lulu really wants to return for the love of her patients, so we collectively made the decision that we were going to resume scheduling her with recare patients starting sometime in February 2010? I could see the happiness pouring out of her after this decision was reached. She misses the office, patients, team members, and doing kid dentistry. I'm glad for her, and I just pray that the surgery in November is successful, so she can resume practicing?

Lulu also told me that yesterday was a tough day. She has mostly good days, but on occasion she feels a little down. Yesterday she said that she spent part of the day thinking about the upcoming breast surgery, her diagnosis, and her future battle. She was thinking about how long her recovery from the surgery would be, and if she's going to be able to have full movement of her right arm (the surgeon is concerned about the masses in the right breast and how involved in the chest muscles they are)? Lulu has a strong outer shell, but like all of us she is human and has ups and downs. I so know one thing, no matter what I'll be there for her whether she's having a up day or down.

I also want to acknowledge everyone that's been signing up and bringing our family dinners. They have been so great, and the variety of meals so far has varied greatly. Lulu and I have loved each and everything that has been delivered. Thank you so, so much. Lourdes continues her growing (and crying). Lourdes still thinks that when the sun is up it's time to sleep, and when it's down it's time to keep your parents awake. She's feeding at regular intervals (like every 4 hours), and is consistent in the amount of formula that she drinking. Honestly though, I look forward to the alone time during the night that comes with her being three months old now. Speaking of that, we celebrated Lourdes' three month birthday tonight by giving her a cupcake with one candle and signing her happy birthday (I'm not sure why we were celebrating her three month birthday, and not the one or two month birthdays)? I'm happy that we are celebrating any birthday with this little girl. (I was reminded how fragile those first few days of her life were). Funny how I used to avoid celebrating birthdays (especially my own), but I now know how special each one is, and I want to cherish everyone of these moments. Life is just a little sweeter when you face the reality that every day is special and maybe the most difficult tasks are making the decisions that can improve the length and quality of our lives.

Make your next day special. Hug someone. Listen to someone. Do a good deed, just because. Smile at someone you don't know. Spend time with someone that you haven't seen for a while. The possibilities are endless, be creative. We all can make a difference now, don't wait for tomorrow.